Fintech
for good.
Core was inspired by the Nobel Award winning Grameen Bank and the development banking pioneer Shorebank. Spun out from the Financial Health Network in 2009, we are reimagining economic development through the power of technology. As a traditional venture capital firm with the untraditional practice of measuring the positive externalities of our investments, we're helping to chart the future of capitalism.
OUR PORTFOLIOWe operate a world-class investment firm that delivers exceptional financial returns by creating transformative social impact at scale. To do so, we invest in innovative startups that help consumers and SMBs spend, save, borrow, and plan for a brighter future.
Through early stage (pre-seed, seed, Series A) investments in fintech and fintech-adjacent businesses, we deliver returns that benefit everyone — investors, portfolio companies, and most of all, their individual customers.
Founder Testimonials
“-
With its world class expert network, strong focus on financial inclusion and thoughtful approach, Core Innovation Capital is an investor every mission-driven Fintech company should bring onboard.
CYNTHIA CHEN
Co-founder & CEO, Kikoff -
Working with Core has been one of the great pleasures of my career. Their intensity for mission has been inspiring and a great fit for us. In addition, Core has been a phenomenal partner. I can’t give a stronger vote of confidence for a VC.
Jordan Wright
Co-founder & CEO, Atomic Financial -
We put a lot of effort into finding a capital partner that was truly mission-aligned and not just paying lip service to social impact. Core has always walked the walk, and that truly matters when I have hard decisions to make as a founder.
Atticus LeBlanc
Co-founder & CEO, Padsplit
Our Values
The core principles that guide us forward.
-
Intrepid Investors
We make bold bets that will reinvent financial empowerment.
-
Alignment Ambassadors
We back the most mission driven companies whose financial success aligns with creating value for their customers.
-
Collaborative Colleagues
We are collaborative, low ego, and always willing to share our time, networks, and knowledge without quid pro quo.
-
Compassionate Confidants
We are empathetic while direct, and engage others with integrity and confidentiality.
-
Perpetual Pupils
We are always willing to change our minds, learn from our mistakes, and embrace new ideas.
-
Disciplined Dealmakers
We are selective in the founders we back and win deals as the best partners, not the highest price.
Building transformative
financial products together.
OUR PORTFOLIO
Latest perspectives
and insights.
From Kafka to Clarity: How SaaS and AI Will Streamline Government Bureaucracy
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan famously quipped, ‘The nine most terrifying words in the English…
Read MoreCan Advisory Boards Really Add Value?
Not too long ago, I joined the venture industry following an operating career in fintech…
Read MoreAI for Al(l)
AI receives an abundance of media coverage on an almost daily basis and is a…
Read MoreRedefining the American Dream: From House Keys to Business Keys
Have we had the American Dream all wrong? For many, the American Dream is the…
Read MoreThe Unsung Hero: Why Financial Security Matters More Than You Think
Whenever I drive, I listen to whatever podcast my wife, Karin, was listening to (because…
Read MoreFrom Human to Bot, From Biased to…Fair?
Fairness in financial services remains an unsolved riddle Core has spent over a decade investing…
Read MoreThe 6 Levels of Autonomous Finance
Yesterday I unlocked my phone, requested a Waymo, waited three minutes for it to arrive,…
Read MoreThe New Reality: Everything is More Expensive
As we approach the end of 2023, the U.S. economy remains unsettled, with next year’s…
Read MoreCatching the Demographic Waves In Fintech
“A great investment opportunity occurs when a marvelous business encounters a one-time huge, but solvable…
Read MoreBack to the Fintech Future. Reflections on “Fintech for Good” today versus 15 years ago
On August 1st, I joined Core Innovation Capital as a General Partner following six years…
Read MoreThe Opportunity for U.S. Fintech is by No Means Over. In Fact, It’s Just Beginning.
Have no doubt, the intersection of finance and technology in the U.S. will keep evolving…
Read MoreCore’s Impact Measurement, Open Sourced.
Since our inception in 2010, we have measured both our financial returns and our mission….
Read MorePioneering Fintech Firm Core VC Announces New Partners
Los Angeles, CA, August 2, 2023 — Core Innovation Capital, a fintech venture capital firm…
Read MoreFintech gets SaaSy
At Core Innovation Capital, we focus on aligning profit margins with customer impact as we…
Read MoreRates up, fintech down. Is it actually that simple?
After spending the start of my career as an interest rates trader at Morgan Stanley…
Read MoreHow Missionary Are You … Actually?
Every startup appears on some grand social (or environmental) mission these days. And in fintech,…
Read MoreMercenary Impact
The Core team has long said that while we respect shrewd mercenaries as well as tree-hugging missionaries, we…
Read MoreDeFi in Traditional Finance is Essential, not an Oxymoron (Part II)
Author: David Roos We are at a turning point in finance. High engagement and technological…
Read More